Emma McClarkin MEP: “We must work together to avoid further economic turmoil”

East Midlands MEP Emma McClarkin

Published:12:31Wednesday 29 June 2016

East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin, who campaigned for Vote Leave, has paid tribute to David Cameron but has now called for all to “work together to avoid further economic turmoil.”

“Events since the EU Referendum vote have been fast-moving, and no doubt there will be new developments by the time you read this article. Nevertheless, I feel that, as someone who campaigned for a Leave vote, I would like to set out some thoughts below.

“Firstly, the result of the referendum was not the only announcement the day after the vote, and I want to pay tribute to the Prime Minister. David Cameron has been a very competent and calm Prime Minister. He is a great Statesman, a respected leader and an honourable politician. We must never forget it was Cameron who promised and delivered the EU Referendum and allowed the British people to have their say.

“I appreciate that not everyone will be happy with the result, and some will naturally feel disappointed, but we must respect the democratic verdict of the people and move forward. We now need to unite both sides to work together in the best interests of the country. Together we need to work to stabilise the markets after the initial shock, and help to avoid further economic turmoil. Whilst some of us believed all along that the result would be a vote to Leave, the markets did not, and the result was therefore a shock to the financial system. Once this has sunk in, however, I believe that the markets will slowly return to normal, as traders get used to the new reality. Now is the time to believe in our country and promote it globally.

“We have not yet left the EU and I believe we must take this time of reflection to let emotions calm down and to prepare for the negotiations ahead, to get the best deal we can to trade with other European countries, whilst also reaching out to the rest of the world. I hope that my experience in International Trade will be of good use in building our new relationships.

“Until such time as an arrangement is agreed, or Article 50 is invoked and has expired (there is a 2 year limit once invoked), I will remain an MEP and will continue to work hard in the European Parliament to represent the East Midlands region and to defend the best interests of the UK. I also intend to help keep up good relations with other MEPs and EU countries, with whom we will want to co-operate in the future.

“As for choosing a new Prime Minister, I believe that the successful candidate will have to demonstrate real leadership and bring together people from both sides of the EU Referendum debate, so that they have the fullest possible support when negotiating our exit from the EU. I am pleased that the process of electing a new leader will be relatively brief, meaning a new Prime Minister will be in place by 9 September.

“It is clear that the country has now changed its course. But we are still the same country. We are still the same people, and I hope that we will remain the tolerant country that we have been for so long. We all now need to accept the result as the democratic will of the British people, and move forward to do the best we can for the future of our great country, which I believe will be freer, more democratic, and more prosperous.”